Defence Minister: We May Deploy National Army If People Refuse To Obey 14-Day Restriction
If the compliance rate remains low, there is a big possibility that the military will be utilised.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 19 Mar 2020, 04:30 PM
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the government may deploy the national army if citizens continue to go against the Restriction of Movement Order (RMO)
During a televised briefing today, 19 March, the minister said that military presence will only be enforced as a last resort.
However, he hopes that it would not be necessary.
He emphasised that if the compliance rate remains low, there is a big possibility that the military will be utilised to get people to stay home
Police had informed Ismail that only around 60% of people adhered to the RMO on the first day it was enforced, reported The Star.
"We are confident that police are able to control the situation, but self-discipline among the people is more important, rather than imposing authority," he added.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has debunked rumours claiming that there will be military helicopters flying nationwide to spray pesticide against the coronavirus
The viral message states that people must stay inside after 12am tonight and be aware of noise from the helicopters.
According to the anti-fake news portal Sebenarnya.my, the National Security Council has confirmed that the message is untrue.
Anyone found outside of their home and at a social gathering during the RMO can be jailed up to two years:
